I am writing to convey my feelings of utter frustration and disgust regarding the whole process of the transfer from primary to secondary school procedure to the community schools.

I feel I have done everything in my power, properly and above board, to secure a place at a high school of my choice for my son. I have just gone through the appeal process, only to find out that my case was dismissed. I feel as a parent, my right to decide the best option for my son's future education has been taken away, and the decision has been made for me by the local education department and the appeals panel.

I live within walking distance of four schools. My son has been allocated a school a bus ride away. I only wished for a mixed school. My son has been allocated a single sex school. I was led to believe I had a choice. I do not.

I feel it is my duty to warn all parents who will have children going to high school in the future to lie and cheat, as this will be the only way for you to get the school of your choice.

Don't make the same mistake as me and be honest, because your child will end up paying the consequences.

MRS S FRANCO, Vale Road, Sutton

July 17, 2002 15:30